Don't miss your chance to experience the acclaimed touring exhibition Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators, opening at Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) next month.
Sea Monsters invites audiences to journey deep into the past, where the ocean's depths were ruled by mighty predators.
Coming to Coffs Harbour for a limited season, the exhibition has captivated audiences nationwide with its unique blend of science, history, and entertainment. It features authentic fossils from millions of years ago, alongside stunningly realistic replicas of ancient ocean giants. The centrepiece exhibits include a 13-meter-long Elasmosaurus and a 9-meter Prognathodon, bringing these incredible prehistoric creatures to life in a way never seen before.
Sea Monsters, from the Australian National Maritime Museum, gives visitors the chance to engage with hands-on activities, including creating their own monstrous designs, dressing up to dive into the prehistoric world, and even examining dino poo! These interactive elements make the exhibition not just informative, but also incredibly fun for all ages.
"This hugely popular exhibition has wowed big crowds in Sydney, and we're delighted to be bringing it to Coffs Harbour from 23 February," said the City's mayor, Cr Paul Amos.
"The contemporary and state-of the-art gallery space at YAM enables us to secure major touring exhibitions such as this one, which provide new experiences for locals and visitors from across the region."
"We're expecting schools and families to travel from across the region to be able to experience this fantastic exhibition."
"I encourage locals and visitors alike to get in quick and secure their tickets to Sea Monsters at YAM - it's a one of a kind exhibition."
One of the world's leading sea monster experts, palaeontologist Dr Espen Knutsen from Queensland Museum, worked closely with the Australian National Maritime Museum to fact-check the content and help select fossils.
"This new exhibition tells the fascinating story of these long-gone sea creatures - which have no living relatives - through the latest science and amazing fossils from Australia and around the world. It has been an absolute privilege to be involved in making this part of Earth's prehistoric heritage available to the general public," Mr Epsen said.
Australian National Maritime Museum Director and CEO Ms Daryl Karp AM said: "There is something about "the deep" and "prehistoric monsters" that sparks imagination in children of all ages. While science gives us some pieces of the puzzle of what took place millions of years ago, there's still a lot we don't know – and that's where we invite the visitor's imagination to flourish, as they design their own sea monsters and see if they have what it takes to survive in the ancient oceans where everyone was a predator."
The exhibition opens on Friday 23 February, and runs to Sunday 26 May. Tickets are available now with a family ticket costing $40.
For more information, tickets, and scheduling details, please visit the YAM website
